While parts of northern Europe freeze, the third week of January brings clement mid-teens temperatures daytimes, so it seems we are once again in the alkionides imeres, the halcyon days, named for the breeding season of the αλκυόνα, alkiona, or kingfisher. There are also signs that the paralia, dead between the demotiko kafeneion and Molos restaurant over the festering season, is coming back to life. Barramares cafe re-opened yesterday, and Yialos taverna is a hive of activity as Georgia and Vangelis prepare to re-open in a week or so. There’s a rumour of an influx of voters returning for the election on Sunday, and we hope to bring you more on that later this week.